Theatre doors may be physically closed but that certainly doesn’t mean creativity has come to a halt. Liverpool’s Unity Theatre has launched a new podcast called A Kick up the Arts which is available on the venue’s website or through Spotify or Anchor. The monthly podcast, hosted by playwright, producer and musician Saphena Aziz and featuring guest contributors, aims to tackle some of the current big talking points in the business. The first episode (recorded before Coronavir

Liverpool’s Africa Oyé is the latest annual event to fall victim to the Coronavirus outbreak. Organisers of the popular festival, which takes place in Sefton Park each June, have announced they are postponing the 2020 event “until further notice”. Oyé attracts performers from across the African diaspora with artists coming to Liverpool from many countries. This year’s event was due to have been held in South Liverpool on June 20-21. Sonia Bassey, chair of the festival trustee

Liverpool’s annual LightNight after hours cultural celebration has been postponed ‘indefinitely’ because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 event was to have been held on Friday, May 15. But organisers have now confirmed that it will not be taking place. A statement says: “We’re very disappointed to postpone what was shaping up to be an incredible programme of events and experiences for all, but the health of our audiences, artists, staff, volunteers and partners i

VE Day commemorations have been pushed back a year at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. The One Night at the VE Day Proms concert, which was due to be staged this spring, will now take place on May 15 2021. Tickets that have already been bought will still be valid. One Night at the VE Day Proms is billed as the ultimate musical celebration in honour of the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The concert show aims to take its listeners on a musical journey through the Second World War, p

The UK tour of By the Waters of Liverpool is being rescheduled for 2021. The stage version of Helen Forrrester’s story was at the start of an extensive 17-venue tour when the Covid-19 pandemic forced theatres nationwide to shut their doors. But producers have vowed they “will not be defeated” by the international crisis and will re-stage the production in 12 months’ time. The show was due to be staged at St Helens Theatre Royal this week, with further dates in Lancaster, Crew

Even in our darkest times we still have the capacity to laugh about life – and it’s clear we’re going to need lots of humour injected in to 2020. Help is at hand from some of the nation’s top funny men and women who are planning tours this autumn which take in various Liverpool venues. Catch comedy everywhere from regular club nights at locations like Hot Water and Laughterhouse to special one-off shows at the arena, Philharmonic Hall, Unity, Epstein and Royal Court Studio. S

The force will be strong at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall this autumn with live music accompanying a special screening of Return of the Jedi. The climactic sixth episode (and third original film) in the Star Wars saga will be presented live in concert for the first time with a symphony orchestra performing its iconic John Williams-composed Oscar-nominated score as the action unfolds. Since the release of the first Star Wars film more than 40 years ago, the intergalactic saga

National Museums Liverpool venues will be closed until further notice to help in stopping the spread of Covid-19. The closure affects the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Walker Art Gallery, International Slavery Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery and Sudley House. An official statement posted on NML’s website said: “The health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff is our top priority and, while we understand many of you will be disappoint

Liverpool’s main Beatles attractions have temporarily closed as part of the response to Government advice over the spread of Coronavirus. The Beatles Story is shutting its doors until April 6. And the Cavern Club has announced it is also closing, for two weeks until April 3, along with the Cavern Pub, Festival restaurant, and Magical Mystery Tour. A statement from the Royal Albert Dock-based Beatles Story said: “We understand that this inconvenience will be a huge disappointm

Merseyside’s historic National Trust properties are set to close their doors this week in the latest blow caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. But the organisation has said it is working to try and maintain free access to some parkland and gardens across its sites nationwide where possible. Unfortunately that does NOT extend to the grounds at Speke Hall (above) or Rufford Old Hall near Ormskirk. Formby Beach and other coastal National Trust areas, along with open countryside,